Colossians 3:1-2
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The phrase "where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" isn't just about heaven's location; it's a powerful reminder that our resurrected life is intimately connected to Christ's current reign. This means the things we should be seeking aren't abstract spiritual ideals, but concrete realities flowing from Christ's enthroned authority and power in the heavenly realm.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building on the idea that through baptism, believers have died with Christ and been raised to a new life. He's now shifting from the negative aspect (dying to sin and the old way of life) to the positive one: living a new life in Christ. This verse kicks off the practical application section of the letter, explaining what this new, heavenly life actually looks like in daily actions and mindset.
The Bible doesn't ask if you're raised with Christ, but because you are. This isn't a future hope, but a present reality impacting your choices.
Paul starts Colossians 3:1 with a powerful conditional statement: "If then you have been raised with Christ...". But the Greek word translated as "if" here doesn't introduce a question of doubt. Instead, it functions like "seeing that" or "since." Paul is grounding the instruction that follows in a foundational spiritual truth: believers have been raised with Christ.
This resurrection isn't just a metaphor for a new spiritual life; it's a real participation in Christ's resurrection. Think of it like this: when Christ was resurrected, all who are united with Him in faith were, in a spiritual sense, resurrected too. This is often linked to baptism, symbolizing this new life. It's a declaration that your old life is buried, and you now live a new existence empowered by Christ's victory over death.
Feeling pulled down by worldly desires? The solution isn't more willpower, but a redirected gaze.
The command to 'seek the things that are above' is the direct consequence of your resurrection with Christ. But what does 'the things above' mean? It's not just about thinking about pie-in-the-sky ideas. It refers to the realities of God's kingdom, the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes, and the life that flows from His presence. It's the 'Messianic salvation' and the future blessings secured in heaven.
Paul contrasts this with 'the things on the earth.' This isn't about rejecting basic needs or responsibilities. Instead, it's about guarding against letting earthly pursuits—whether they are material possessions, status, or even misguided religious practices—dominate your heart and mind. When Christ is seated at God's right hand, He is reigning. Your focus shifts from earthly limitations to heavenly possibilities, finding your true 'home' and purpose in Him.
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Understand the original words
synēgerthēte · Greek Verb
To be restored to life; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the regeneration of the believer, who is united with Jesus in His resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life.
Christos · Greek Noun
The promised Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world; the eternal Son of God who became incarnate, died for the sins of humanity, and rose again to reconcile believers to God.
dexia · Greek Noun
A metaphorical or literal position of supreme authority, power, and honor at the Father’s side, signifying the completion of the Savior's redemptive work and His present intercession.
phroneite · Greek Verb
In biblical terms, this refers to the inner life, the seat of the intellect, will, and affections; to set one's mind is to consciously align one's thoughts and priorities with the purposes and values of God.
gēs · Greek Noun
The state of being physically, spiritually, or morally disconnected from the kingdom of God; often used to describe the fallen, temporal, or sinful condition of the world system.
The profound truth of being 'risen with Christ' is anchored in His actual resurrection and ascension. This historical reality, not just a metaphor, is the very foundation for the command to 'seek the things that are above'.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension
After His resurrection, Jesus spent time with His disciples before ascending to the right hand of God, signifying His enthronement and reign.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit descended upon the believers, empowering them and signifying the establishment of the Church as Christ's body on earth.
c. AD 40-60
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul traveled extensively, establishing churches and writing letters, including foundational theological works that would influence later writings like Colossians.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment
During his imprisonment, Paul wrote epistles such as Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon, often addressing theological errors and encouraging believers.
This passage directly parallels the idea of being 'raised with Christ,' explaining that our baptism signifies a spiritual resurrection to new life, just as Christ was raised from the dead.
Philippians 3:20It echoes the call to 'seek the things above' by stating that our 'citizenship is in heaven,' emphasizing that our true identity and future are rooted in the heavenly realm where Christ is.
Ephesians 2:6This verse powerfully connects our resurrected status with Christ to our present heavenly position, stating that God 'raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.'
John 14:2-3Jesus' own words here provide the motive for seeking the things above: He speaks of going to prepare a place for us, implying that His current exalted position at God's right hand is directly related to our future home with Him.
vincentColossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
Be risen (συνηγέρθητε)Rev., correctly, were raised. See Colossians 2:12. In their baptism in which they died (Colossians 2:20). Compare Romans 6:2 sqq.Sitteth (ἐστιν καθήμενος)According to the A.V. the literal rendering would be is sitting. Is, however, must be taken separately; where Christ is, seated. Seated is a secondary predicate, as hidden in Colossians 2…
barnesColossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."
If ye then be risen with Christ - The apostle in this place evidently founds the argument on what he had said in Colossians 2:12 ; see the notes at that passage. The argument is, that there was such an union between Christ and his people, that in virtue of his death they become dead to sin; that in virtue of his resurrection they rise to spiritual life, and that,…
The phrase "where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" isn't just about heaven's location; it's a powerful reminder that our resurrected life is intimately connected to Christ's current reign. This means the things we should be seeking aren't abstract spiritual ideals, but concrete realities flowing from Christ's enthroned authority and power in the heavenly realm.
Paul is building on the idea that through baptism, believers have died with Christ and been raised to a new life. He's now shifting from the negative aspect (dying to sin and the old way of life) to the positive one: living a new life in Christ. This verse kicks off the practical application section of the letter, explaining what this new, heavenly life actually looks like in daily actions and mindset.
Paul is building on the idea that through baptism, believers have died with Christ and been raised to a new life. He's now shifting from the negative aspect (dying to sin and the old way of life) to the positive one: living a new life in Christ. This verse kicks off the practical application section of the letter, explaining what this new, heavenly life actually looks like in daily actions and mindset.
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." — The phrase "where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" isn't just about heaven's location; it's a powerful reminder that our resurrected life is intimately connected to Christ's current reign.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
